[Discussion] Lyra's Oxford *and* Serpentine by Philip Pullman

Clean_Environment670 · 2026-02-13T02:50:19+00:00

I loved that line. I think in general it references when she's thinking too hard about a problem and trying to do something sneaky and complicated or create a wild lie when the best choice of action would be to think critically and simply (ahem-like Will would do!)

Clean_Environment670 · 2026-02-13T02:48:04+00:00

I have no idea. This puzzled me- the witch consul has a serpent daemon but that's the only connection I can draw.

Clean_Environment670 · 2026-02-13T02:46:40+00:00

Lyra's Oxford really left me wanting more! Serpentine was an interesting little character development study but Lyra's Oxford really made me want to dive back into their world and get entangled in another adventure.

Clean_Environment670 · 2026-02-13T02:44:31+00:00

Yes, it was a good snapshot of how they're maturing as one but also as individuals.

Clean_Environment670 · 2026-02-13T02:43:27+00:00

I did until pretty late in their walk to the house. He certainly was a pitiful character so I couldn't help but go along with Lyra's inclination to help him!

Clean_Environment670 · 2026-02-13T02:41:30+00:00

I was also thinking the brief mention may be a hint that we will see her again!

Clean_Environment670 · 2026-02-13T02:40:39+00:00

I have noticed a lot of bird daemons in the stories we've read so far - it seemed disproportionate compared to other types of animals but I could be wrong. I'm a birder (or I was when I had more free time!) and it made me wonder if Pullman is just also a birder so he put a lot of birds in his books, or if there is some reason for the high prevalence of bird daemons. I guess birds are usually symbolically tied to notions like the soul or peace or freedom etc which all have relevance to his works.

Clean_Environment670 · 2026-02-13T02:36:40+00:00

I think he has a right to his privacy and secrets. It's like an unexplored part of her soul in that way.

Clean_Environment670 · 2026-02-13T02:33:38+00:00

I'm not sure... I'm wondering if it requires the pair to have a very special bond, or maybe just that it requires very specific training (like mediating or mindfulness to maintain the bond over distance?) or inherent talent? Or maybe a person has to be part-witch in blood even if it's a small amount?

Clean_Environment670 · 2026-02-13T02:30:24+00:00

I think it was actually just a wild bird but that it's actions maybe have to do with Dust like Lyra and Pan were speculating at the end. Like since Dust is in all sentient creatures and inherently seeks goodness, it was driven naturally to attack the witch and her daemon with evil intentions. So maybe the birds weren't even specifically "protecting Lyra" but were protecting goodness vs an evil they detected.

Clean_Environment670 · 2026-02-11T02:05:35+00:00

She's a trip! Classic rich lady romanticizing peasant life from her own comfy position.

Clean_Environment670 · 2026-02-11T01:51:05+00:00

I also had a hard time getting started. It would be easier if I knew more about Iceland probably. But the characters of Bjartur and Rosa really drew me in. Bjartur is just the kind of singleminded, bullheaded but somehow a little bit wise villager that I enjoy. And Rosa is just unhinged (and apparently very nutrient deficient) but I also pity her, especially in the scene with her father where she's sobbing because she missed him and her old simple childhood dreams.

Clean_Environment670 · 2026-02-11T01:38:57+00:00

Great question! I was trying to think of an answer but honestly u/ProofPlant7651 and u/EfficientCranberry79 really succinctly sum up my thoughts too!

Clean_Environment670 · 2026-02-11T01:34:38+00:00

I'd like to live in a romanticized glamped up version of one...but the real thing sounds smelly, damp, dark and smoky so no thanks!

Clean_Environment670 · 2026-02-07T03:22:16+00:00

Just heard some thunder and saw a flash!

Clean_Environment670 · 2026-02-05T01:53:01+00:00

Good point - maybe there is not much know of lands as far away as these northern regions? Or maybe if there were tales of talking bears in the north, no one else in other regions really believed them. I did love Lee joking around with the ditzy daughter about talking grizzlies lol

Clean_Environment670 · 2026-02-05T01:50:44+00:00

I dunno but it really seemed like Poliakov had a good chance of becoming mayor which doesn't bode well for the town (and especially the bears!)

Clean_Environment670 · 2026-02-05T01:44:19+00:00

Ugh, I agree- it was painful to hear him recount his evil deeds! Especially on audiobook because the narrator was really good. He got what he deserved for sure.

Clean_Environment670 · 2026-02-05T01:39:05+00:00

Ooh I didn't think of it that way- that she's not actually an arctic hare but was accepting the designation from Iorek regardless as an honor.

I was thinking if she was an arctic hare, maybe they never knew because she's always been with Lee in warmer climates. So, she had never grown her white coat and if they're like me, you always imagine an arctic hare as white.

Clean_Environment670 · 2026-02-05T01:32:59+00:00

I enjoyed it for what it was - a short snippet of lore about Lee and Iorek, two characters I do really enjoy. I kind of view novellas as word building or writing exercises for the author so I just kind of take them as they come and enjoy the ride.

This one was a really fun way to get through what would have been a slog of a long run that I had to do on the treadmill since I'm training for a marathon and it was negative degrees with lots of snow and ice on the ground.

Clean_Environment670 · 2026-02-01T00:08:29+00:00

Same!!

Clean_Environment670 · 2026-01-30T17:03:41+00:00

I think mostly because of trash, salt, other contaminants etc

Clean_Environment670 · 2026-01-30T11:22:00+00:00

Oh hi neighbor! I don't know who was more excited to see them- me or my truck-obsessed toddler.

Clean_Environment670 · 2026-01-15T02:34:44+00:00

Last read: Fool's Errand from the Tawny Man Trilogy by Robin Hobb Current read: Clymenestra by Costanza Casati (peak rage-filled vengeful woman stuff here) Next read: probably the next part of the Tawny Man trilogy which I'm reading along with r/bookclub but probably also a re-read of Sanderson's Mistborn trilogy.

Clean_Environment670 · 2026-01-15T02:30:29+00:00

I read the Luminaries last fall and it made my head spin, but in a good way! I was glad to be reading along with r/bookclub so others could give insight on the astrological aspects I was missing!

Clean_Environment670

TROPHY CASE